Category Archives: Tech Tips

Best Keyboard Shortcuts for Gaming (and Productivity)

Using some common keyboard shortcuts can really help your gaming experience. Additionally, if you work on your computer all day, being able to use it efficiently can really help save you time and make you more productive. One way to do this is by learning and using some common shortcuts.

Benefits of Using Keyboard Shortcuts

First, as mentioned in the intro, using keyboard shortcuts can drastically improve your efficiency while working or playing. For example, it is so much easier to use Ctrl+A to highlight all text in a document versus using the mouse cursor to highlight all the text. read more

What To Do When You Run Out of USB Ports

Sometimes it seems like every peripheral device imaginable is available to be plugged into a USB port. Over and above the classics, like USB drives, cell phone chargers, keyboards and mice, there are USB powered coffee warmers, desk lamps, and cubicle toys of all sorts. With all of these needing to be plugged into its own USB port on your computer, it’s easy to run out of space in a hurry.

The answer to a port shortage, fortunately, is pretty straight forward. A USB hub will solve your problems. It will greatly expand the number of USB ports on your computer and leave room for all of your critical devices. A USB hub is a pretty simple device. It splits one USB port into many. They come in all shapes, sizes, and styles so finding the hub you need can seem like a challenge. Beyond just the number of extra ports you need, there are some considerations to keep in mind for any user wanting a little more space to plug in more devices. read more

4 Reasons Why You Should Run a Virus Scan in Safe Mode

One common question is whether or not you need to run your virus or malware scan in safe mode. The answer is that you don’t have to, but you really should do it every so often for multiple reasons. Let’s take a look at a few advantages to running your virus or malware scans in Windows safe mode.

Malware is Less Likely to be Active in Safe mode

So, you think you have a virus or malware. You start up your virus scanner only to find that it keeps getting hijacked and stopped by the virus or malware that is infecting your computer. By restarting your computer and then running the scan again in safe mode, the virus will be less likely to be able to interfere with the scan. Thus, your anti-virus software will have a better chance to remove any threats. read more

Cable Management 101 – Benefits Of and Tips For Effective Cable Management

Cable management inside your PC really is super exciting to think about right? Well, for most of us, not really. Although it might not be the most interesting thing to think about, there are quite a few reasons why you should take the time to manage your PC cables well. Whether you are managing cables for a personal PC, gaming PC, or even a server setup, cable management can benefit you in many ways. Let’s start by looking at the reasons why you should implement good cable management.

Benefits of Cable Management

Better Airflow and Cooling

First of all, if you manage your cables well, you will really improve the cooling inside your PC. This is especially good if you own a gaming computer or even a server. By bunching up your cables, they take up less space and really allow for much better airflow. To go along with this, by managing your cables correctly, you can really cut down on the chances of a cable slipping into a cooling fan. This will keep the fan running at max efficiency while also keep your cables from becoming damaged. read more

Overheating Gaming Computer Symptoms and Fixes

As soon as your computer turns on, it starts to heat up. Certain computers generate more heat than others. Generally speaking, your computer will come with the proper cooling equipment to dissipate the heat. Your PC will come with fans and heatsinks to help keep your computer at manageable temperature levels. However, there are times when this cooling equipment is not working properly or when it just can’t keep up with the amount of heat your computer is emitting. Also, if you are someone who is into PC tuning and are overclocking your CPU or GPU, you probably know that this can generate a lot of extra heat. Let’s take a a few common causes of an overheating computer. read more